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Why do I have a rash after surgery?
Can surgery cause skin rashes & hives?
What causes a rash around a surgical incision?
Apr 12, 2024 · A rash after surgery that's itchy, raised, or spreading may interfere with incision healing. Learn what causes it and when to seek immediate medical care.
- Overview
- How common is it to have a rash after surgery?
- How does it happen?
- What are the symptoms?
- How are post-surgical rashes diagnosed?
- How is it treated?
- What is the outlook if you have a post-surgical rash?
- The takeaway
Having any kind of surgery means being exposed to many materials and medications. The National Eczema Association says that people who have allergies to any of those things or if the skin is irritated by them may end up with a rash called contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis generally comes in two forms:
•Irritant contact dermatitis. It’s an acute or chronic skin irritation or inflammation caused by contact with a chemical, biologic, or physical agent. A 2015 research review showed that this is the most common form, accounting for around 80 percent of all cases.
•Allergic contact dermatitis. It’s skin irritation or inflammation caused by contact with an allergen (also known as contact allergy). This form accounts for the remaining percentage of cases.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology shares that up to 20 percent of people have contact dermatitis. While we don’t know how many people will experience a rash after surgery, people who have previously had contact dermatitis may have a higher chance of having a similar reaction after surgery.
Post-surgical contact dermatitis is a localized rash that is almost always a reaction to something that came into contact with your skin. A rash around a surgical incision is fairly common.
It may be from the glue or adhesive used to close the wounds, or from antibiotic ointments applied to the wound to prevent infection. These materials can irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction in some people.
There are two main causes of this type of rash:
•Medication. This includes topical medications such as antibiotic creams that are applied directly to the skin.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:
•itchiness or burning
•redness or discoloration, or visible rash
•mild swelling
•skin blisters that may drain fluid (especially if you scratch at the rash)
•thickening or scaling on the skin
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) says that to determine the type of rash you have and what’s causing it, your doctor will consider your health history and perform a physical exam. They will examine the rash itself, noting its size, shape, color, severity, and other characteristics.
The AADA also says that a patch test can be done to determine if the rash is allergic contact dermatitis. In some cases, your doctor may want to perform a skin biopsy as well.
Treatment for contact dermatitis is generally very simple. It’s a good idea to let your doctor know if you develop a rash after surgery. While your rash may resolve quickly, you may need to change bandages or medications your doctor has prescribed.
When to seek emergency care
A rash can be an early symptom of a life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. The AADA recommends emergency care if you have any of these symptoms. Call 911 if you have:
•a rash that appears quickly, spreads, and covers all or most of your body
•shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
•a fever with rash
Post-surgical rashes often go away when your skin is no longer in contact with the irritant. The rash should go away completely within a few weeks.
In rare cases, scratching or otherwise irritating the rash can result in a skin infection. Your doctor should be notified of any symptoms of infection, so treatment can begin immediately.
Post-surgery contact dermatitis is generally caused by an allergen or something that irritates your skin. This can include contact with surgical instruments or supplies that are not hypoallergenic, such as bandages, surgical glue, or antiseptic solutions. This type of rash is usually localized to one or two spots on the body. Treatment is simple an...
Nov 23, 2020 · A rash after surgery may be due to contact with irritants or an allergic reaction to a medication. Learn about the causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and more.
Mar 27, 2024 · Infections can cause localized inflammation, redness, and itching, which may manifest as a rash around the surgical site. Some individuals may also have an allergic reaction to the adhesive used in bandages or dressings, leading to contact dermatitis and the appearance of a rash.
Aug 19, 2020 · It's common to experience some symptoms when recovering from surgery. But certain warning signs could indicate post-surgery complications like an infection or hemorrhage. Tell your doctor if you have shortness of breath, severe pain, an infected incision wound, or feelings of depression.
Aug 12, 2022 · Stage 1: Swelling. The first steps toward healing start right away. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. White blood cells in your...
